Michiko Hensley

Michiko Hensley, 80, was born in Himeji, Japan on March 6, 1938. She passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s on July 8, 2018.

Michiko attended a Catholic school in Japan. In July of 1954 she met her future husband, LeRoy Hensley, when he was on R & R in Japan while serving in the U.S. Marines. They were married in 1955 in Japan, but because the marriage wasn’t honored in the U.S., they were remarried in August 1956. They settled in Des Moines and raised two children – Joyce and Michael.

Michiko took care of her home and family and worked as a florist, seamstress, and cafeteria worker at her children’s school. She interpreted for several governors and other individuals and was very active in the Japanese Friendship Force, visiting Japan often. In October 2011, she became a resident of Bishop Drumm Retirement Center, where she resided until she lost her battle with Alzheimer’s.

Michiko is survived by her husband of 62 years, LeRoy; her daughter, Joyce (Chris) Steffens; her son, Michael (Shelley); granddaughters, Lisa (Ken) Young, Sarah, Krista, and Kimberly; great-granddaughter, Kalleigh Young; and a great-grandson due in November. She is also survived by many family members in the U.S. and Japan.

Services will be held Friday, July 13, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. Family will greet friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bishop Drumm Retirement Center or the Alzheimer’s Association.

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